A MINI motorbike was smashed to pieces in a bid to show youths what will happen if they are caught riding illegally.

At Camberley Police Station, in Portesbery Road, Pcs Ian Jarrett and Sherren Higgs took the hard line after confiscating the machine from a 15-year-old boy.

Earlier this month a police community support officer and a member of the public spotted a group of boys riding the mini motorbike along an alleyway off Martindale Avenue in Camberley.

The path is in a residential area and is used by children and adults to walk to the shops and park.

Neighbourhood Specialist Officer Pc Higgs was called to the scene where she seized the bike and issued the 15-year-old rider with a warning. Should he use any vehicle in an antisocial manner within the next 12 months he will be taken to court.

At the police station on Monday, Pc Higgs was concerned that the use of mini motorbikes is on the increase, endangering the safety of pedestrians and motorists.

“To the rider, these bikes are not roadworthy and they have no tread on the tyres,” she added.

“They are extremely difficult to control, there’s no steering function because of the fairing around the steering. The riders are generally using them without any protective headgear or clothing.

“Members of the public are worried because the bikes are being used on the pavement. They travel up to 35 miles per hour and if it’s coming towards you it’s got no way of steering round you — it’s down to you to get out of their way.

“Obviously people who are walking their dogs have got to worry about them getting over excited as well as ensuring their child’s safety.”

This is the first time that a bike has been destroyed in Surrey Heath. Pc Higgs said she hoped by taking this action the police would show they were prepared to deal with the riders should they use the bikes irresponsibly.

Pc Jarrett added: “The main thing is that they are a danger to themselves and cars don’t see them. We are going to get someone killed if they carry on like they are.”

Mini motorbikes can only be ridden on private property with the owner’s permission. If the machines are driven on public land, such as parks, footpaths, pavements and the road, riders should expect to be prosecuted for insurance, driving licence, MOT and road tax offences.

Go-kart tracks in the borough hold special events for youths to ride their mini motorbikes safely and legally.

Pc Higgs said: “Other than these go-kart tracks there is nowhere in Surrey Heath where people can ride these machines legally.

“Basically the message to parents is don’t buy these machines for your kids because they won’t be able to use them.”

Any residents affected by the use of mini motorbikes should call Surrey Police on 0845 1252222 or, if they are being ridden on MoD land, call the MoD police control room on 02392 722421.